These Are the Best Sneakers for Wide Feet, According to a Podiatrist

It’s an age-old tale: You see a pair of shoes you absolutely love and insist on buying them, even though the fit isn’t perfect, reasoning to yourself that you’ll be able to wear them in. Unfortunately, according to podiatrist Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a Vionic Innovation Lab member, this shoe-shopping philosophy is an absolute no-no, especially when you’ve got a wider foot.

“From the moment you try them on in the store, the shoes should fit comfortably and feel just right,” Sutera explains. “If they’re tight, try the next width up or a different style. Breaking shoes in damages feet in the process.” Luckily, finding sneakers that comfortably fit a wide foot isn’t that hard. According to Sutera, styles with adjustable straps and a more rounded or square-shaped toe box tend to better suit a wide foot. Many brands also allow shoppers to pick their preferred width (e.g., M for medium and W for wide).

Another top tip for spotting the best sneakers for wide feet? Make sure the shoe width matches the width of your foot. “Put the shoe next to your foot to quickly see if it’s the correct shape,” Sutera says. “Shoes that don’t match your natural shape will be too tight and cause short-term—and possibly long-term—pain and potential problems.”

Sutera notes that ingrown toenails, bunions, hammertoes, calluses, corns, pinched nerves, and bone spurs are some long-term effects of wearing footwear that doesn’t fit properly. She also listed Vionic, New Balance, and Saucony as three of the most trusted offerings. Speaking of which, see and shop our favorite trainers from each brand—plus a few others—below.

This lightweight sneaker is perfect for summer.

These would be such a vibe with chunky tube socks.

Nothing New’s sneakers are made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and other sustainable materials. Pretty cool, right?

The rounded front ensures a comfortable fit on a wider foot.

The contrasting patterns are so unique.

Your new favorite running sneaker.

Sock sneakers boast insane comfort.

There’s a reason these sneakers have been around for years.

Test-drive the chunky-sneaker trend with this podiatrist-approved style.

Sutera recommends a style with a Velcro fastening.

Classic running shoes.

These are available in two different widths.

Every girl on Instagram owns a pair like these. 

You can’t go wrong with a pair of Chuck Taylors.

Here’s another classic pair but with a few modern updates.

These have rave reviews.

So sleek and streamlined.

We love Vionic for countless reasons.

Another old-school classic.

Sleek, chic sneakers perfect for everyday wear.

It doesn’t get more sporty chic than this.

Pair these with comfy sweats.

Seasoned runners love this brand.

A pair for all of your athleisure lewks.

The go-to pair.

The dusty mauve shade is so unexpected.

From the trail to weekend errands, you can wear these almost anywhere.

These reach “weird, cool atheltic sneaker” terriotry.

The glowing reviews don’t lie.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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